怯 qiè afraid
afraid; lacking in courage
How to remember 怯: 忄 heart + 去 go = afraid. On the high diving board, the boy's heart pounds so hard that he cannot go any further, because he is simply too afraid.
Component breakdown
怯 = 忄 heart + 去 go
- 忄 heart
- 去 go
- 土 earth
- 厶 cocoon
On the high diving board, the boy's heart pounds so hard that he cannot go any further, because he is simply too afraid.
How it is used
- Timid/cowardly: 胆怯 (dǎnqiè) faint-hearted, 怯场 (qièchǎng) stage fright, 怯懦 (qiènuò) craven.
- 怯生生 (qièshēngshēng) = shy and timid, of a child or newcomer.
- Contrasts with 勇 (yǒng, brave).